Shipping fraud

Shipping fraud

I am an Egyptian diplomat who was posted in Jakarta for four
years (1996-2000) and to me it was one of the best times of my
life spent in this beautiful country of yours. But unfortunately
it didn't end as happily as it started because I was the victim
of a very bad fraud and cheating experience when I tried to ship
my things from Jakarta to Cairo via Singapore, with a company
called "PT Combi Cargo" headed by a guy called Mr. Rudolf
Tambari.

My experience, which cost me around US$2,300, involved all the
furniture I had gathered throughout the whole period of my stay
in Jakarta. After receiving confirmation from the above mentioned
company about the exact time of the departure of my ship, I
organized a packing company to pack my things (which I have to
say was very good but of course cost me Rp 9 million). Then I
rented two cars to send the stuff to Tanjung Priok for the
loading process, based on a prior agreement to send my things to
the port by 5 p.m..

So, after abiding by the agreement, I arrived at the port to
find a representative telling me they have to ship my things
after I leave and that it will take two months to arrive in
Alexandria, because it has to be rolled over in the port in
Singapore until they find a ship that goes to Alexandria. And
after arguing about his responsibility to find a compromise, we
reached a deadlock. So I left with all my things back to my home,
and boy was that an experience because it rained heavily and all
the packing and furniture was nearly destroyed (electronics and
wood).

I decided to speak to the boss, Mr. Rudolf. After several
games of hide-and-seek I met him to ask for compensation for all
the expenses and destruction of my things. But of course he was
very impolite and we did not reach any useful solutions regarding
this subject. So I left angrily because I had a very short time
before leaving.

I am writing this from Cairo, through my middleman and
representative in Jakarta (PT Golden Bali Express), to ask for
compensation of at least $1,000 for all the damage that I
suffered throughout this whole process, which consumed both time
and money.

KARIM F. SHERIF

Ex Consul of Egypt in Jakarta